View full sizeA Center of Disease Control and Prevention map of all reported cases of Lyme disease in 2013 reflects just how concentrated the disease is in the United States.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Reported cases of Lyme disease in New York have doubled over the past 12 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As summer looms, health officials continue to promote awareness around the debilitating condition.

"People know about Lyme Disease, but often do not take the steps to avoid being bitten by deer ticks, to protect their children, or to check a pet dog that is allowed to run free in a back yard or during a daily walk on a leash," says Leonard Douglen, executive director of the New York Pest Management Association.

In 2012, 95 percent of all Lyme disease cases were reported in 13 states, mostly concentrated in the Northeast. New Jersey and New York ranked third and fourth on the nationwide list, respectively.

"Ticks really thrive in the damp woodlands of the Northeast," said Paul Mead, a medical officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "They need the moisture of the forest to survive."

Staten Island has seen a significant rise in documented cases as well. The CDC offers reports in four-year blocks. From 1992 to 1996, there were 75 documented Lyme disease cases. From 2007 to 2011, reported illnesses jumped to 141.

According to Mead, there are a number of complex, long-term reasons that have led to the upswing in Lyme disease: Degrees of reforestation, the increasing suburban development in areas that already harbor the disease and the increase in deer population.

Deer ticks are not specific to just deer, though. They can latch on to birds, mice and other domestic pets. But as Staten Island's deer population grows, the Lyme disease threat does too. Borough President James Oddo implores residents to take the necessary preventative measures.

"The increased deer population means an increased deer tick population, and we should all be cognizant of this, said Oddo. "Staten Islanders shouldn't be alarmed, but should educate themselves on how to take precautions."

The New York City Parks Department advises all park visitors to stay on designated paths and trails, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, tuck pants into socks, use insect repellent, and check yourself for ticks after a hike.

But one factor that makes Lyme disease so threatening is that it's often hard for victims, and doctors alike, to detect. A common misconception is that the disease will come with a telltale, "bull's-eye" rash. That's only true in about half of all cases.

"Detection is tricky. The ticks can be the size of poppy seeds. Victims might not even seen them," said Dr. Ernest Visconti, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Staten Island. "Additionally, early symptoms mimic the flu, so the illness can go unnoticed until it spreads and intensifies."

A female deer tick is seen under a University of Rhode Island microscope in the entomoloy lab Monday, March 18, 2002, in South Kingstown, R.I. Thomas Mather, the state's leading expert in tick research, said there may be more ticks in 2006 than 2005 because of the relatively warm winter and recent wet weather, increasing concerns about the spread of disease. (AP Photo/ Victoria Arocho, File)

Such was the case for Joyce Malerba Goldstein, 72, of West Brighton. She contracted the disease 22 years ago when she hugged a dog during a trip to Martha's Vineyard. At first, she started experiencing fevers and joint aches -- just under-the-weather-type symptoms, she thought for someone her age. Suddenly she was seeing double and unable to move the left side of her body. Desperate, Mrs. Malerba Goldstein paid Dr. Visconti a visit.

Lyme disease has three stages: Early localized Lyme disease, early disseminated Lyme disease and late disseminated Lyme disease. If it can be detected and treated within a month, during its first phase, the illness can be eradicated before bacteria spread through the body.

Four months had passed before Mrs. Malerba Goldstein visited Dr. Visconti. At that point, the bacteria had reached stage 3, rooting themselves in her heart, joints and nervous system. After a blood test came up negative. Mrs. Malerba Goldstein opted for the more expensive Western blot test, which properly diagnosed her with Lyme disease.

"Dr. Visconti saved my life," she said. Mrs. Malerba Goldstein was a runner and a self-proclaimed "health snob." She still gardens, practices yoga, zumba and meditates, but chronic hip pain has kept her off the track. "It's a miracle that I was even able to make a full recovery."

Mrs. Malerba Goldstein thinks there is still ignorance revolving around the illness. And that helps the disease proliferate.

"Unfortunately a lot of prevention falls back on the public," said Mead, of the CDC. "Ticks aren't airborne. So the pesticides that are used to eliminate other insect-based diseases like the West Nile Virus are ineffective."

Dr. Visconti advises all readers to clean out any unnecessary shrubbery or woodland detritus around their homes. Most importantly, folks should thoroughly check themselves for ticks after spending any time outside.